By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) – Dan Gilbert recently stated the new high-speed Rocket Fiber Internet network under construction in downtown Detroit will be a key component in attracting and retaining talent to the city.
Gilbert said construction on Rocket Fiber, which is part of the Rock Ventures family of companies, is underway. The advanced fiber optic network will provide Internet service initially in downtown Detroit that is up to 100 times faster than the current residential average.
“Fiber is just a big, big important piece of the infrastructure,” said Gilbert, who attended a recent conference and found that start-ups consider the speed of the Internet in their decision-making process. “Having Detroit being able to say, not only do we have (high-speed Internet), but it’s state-of-the-art, it’s right here in downtown, is going to make a big difference in us keep attracting and retaining key talent we have here.”
Having faster Internet service is important for start-up businesses that are technology focused, along with advanced businesses, said Gilbert, who is founder and chairman of Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures.
With the introduction of the high-speed Internet, Detroit joins other communities around the country that are upping speeds to attract business such as Lansing, Hunstville, AL and Kansas City.
But in addition to faster speeds, the network will also change the perception that Detroit is “behind” because it is older.
“So having something that is not only not older, but state of the art and fiber, is a great selling point,” Gilbert stated.
The high-speed Internet will also lead to development on both sides of the fiber Internet line, similar to train track.
“We are going to see development and attraction of technology businesses on both sides of that fiber (line) as it gets finished,” Gilbert said.
The network, which originates west of downtown Detroit, will initially serve residents, local government and businesses in downtown Detroit’s Central Business District from M-10 to the west, I-75 to the north, I-375 to the east, and the Detroit River to the south.
After initial installation in downtown Detroit, Rocket Fiber will expand services along the Woodward corridor to residents and businesses in Midtown Detroit.
“As our economy continues to diversify, many opportunities for growth will be fueled by the speed and capacity of our Internet infrastructure,” said Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO, Eric Larson. “In the cities where high-speed Internet has been installed, significant gains in start-ups, jobs and investment has occurred – Detroit deserves such an advantage.”
